Washington, DC – Congressman Tim Ryan voted today in favor the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act (HR 6), which passed the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 344-77. This legislation provides the National Institute of Health (NIH) $8.75 billion in mandatory funding over the next five years and provides updates and resources to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

“The 21st Century Cures Act provides the NIH and the FDA with much needed funding for the next five years; ensuring that our nation will remain on the cutting-edge of scientific innovation and discovery. This legislation modernizes clinical trial regulations, encourages the development of next generation treatments, and streamlines how the FDA approves new drugs and devices to reach in need patients more quickly. Funding these critical programs is not only important for the health of our nation, but it is also important for our economy. We know that for every $1 of NIH funding generates $2.21 in local economic growth, supporting 402,000 jobs in 2012 alone,” said Congressman Ryan.

"H.R.6, the 21st Century Cures Act, offers exciting promise to those living with multiple sclerosis (MS),” said Samantha Villella, District Activist Leader for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “It implements reforms and secures funding levels, which will expedite the speed of research and the development process for disease treatments. It also establishes a much-needed data collection system, which will help researchers better understand the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis. My Mom was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and my sister in 2014, so the passage of this bill brings me much optimism that someday soon we will have a world without MS"